Carolyn Ann (McGinness) Root

Carolyn Ann (McGinness) Root, 91, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2024, at Langdon Place in Nashua, NH. She was a devoted wife, mother, and friend to many. Born on December 30, 1932, in Cambridge, MA, she was the eldest of six children of William and Anne (Maytum) McGinness.

Carolyn attended St. Peter’s Parish School in Cambridge and Cambridge Latin High School. In 1957, she married Ernest F. Root, with whom she shared 61 loving years. In 1964, they moved to Nashua, NH, where they raised their five sons. Anyone who met Carolyn quickly learned how proud she was of her sons and their families. Her greatest joy was celebrating her family’s accomplishments.

Carolyn focused on raising her boys when they were young, later joining the workforce with roles in the Nashua School District and the marketing department of Digital Equipment Corporation, where she eventually retired. Along the way, she earned an Associate’s Degree from Rivier College and a Bachelor of Science in Business from Franklin Pierce College. She was a longtime member of the Parish of the Resurrection in Nashua.

Beyond her family, Carolyn cherished time spent at the beach. She and Ernie enjoyed over 40 summers at their house on Cape Cod. After retiring, they traveled extensively and spent winters in Barefoot Bay, Florida.

Carolyn also loved social gatherings, especially with “The Friday Night Group” and her bridge group.

She is survived by her five sons and their wives: Christopher Root and Judy Eldredge-Root of Portsmouth, NH; Stephen and Elizabeth Root of North Attleboro, MA; Michael and Theresa Root of Nashua, NH; David and Karen Root of Nashua, NH; and Timothy and Deborah Root of Nashua, NH. She also leaves behind 10 grandchildren: Amanda Thistle, Matthew Root, Daniel Root, David Root, Samuel Root, Jessica Root, Hannah Root, Connor Root, Michael A. Root, and Nicholas Root, along with their spouses and significant others, and three great-grandchildren; Parker Thistle, Molly Thistle and Isabella Root.

Additionally, she is survived by her brother David McGinness and his wife Beverly of Concord, MA. She also leaves in-laws Lois Fournier of Centerville, MA; Peter and Christine Fournier of Virginia; Lucile McGinness of Dover, MA; and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 23, at Davis Funeral Home, 1 Lock St., Nashua, NH, followed by a service at 11:00 a.m. and burial. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA.